Trot Insider has spoken with Al Libfeld, co-owner of 2010 Hambletonian winner Muscle Massive, in regard to the news that the three-year-old son of Muscles Yankee is finished racing and will focus on standing stud during the 2011 breeding season

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Libfeld, a resident of Pickering, Ont., did not divulge where the $1,245,297 career earner will be standing, but he did express his excitement in regard to the ride the $425,000 yearling purchase gave the entire ownership group.

"Muscle Massive was a joy to be involved with," Libfeld said. "From purchasing him for the highest price two years ago, to his successful three-year-old season, capped off with the thrilling Hambo win."

Libfeld said that he is very thankful to the colt's trainer, Jimmy Takter, and his daughter, Nancy, for their stellar job of realizing his potential. He also gave praise to Ron Pierce for the "great drives" with the Muscle Massive this year.

"I am thankful for my existing partners, Marv and Sam and our new partners who have turned into friends," he continued. "Lastly, I am grateful to Muscle Massive and his great conformation, unsurpassed pedigree and desire to be the champion that he is."

Libfeld owns Muscle Massive along with Brixton Medical Ab, 74962 of Orsundsbro, Sweden, Order BY Stable of Boras, Sweden, Louie Camara of Puslinch, Ont., and Marvin Katz and Sam Goldband of Toronto, Ont.

From 19 career starts, Muscle Massive won seven races, finished second four times and notched three thirds. He took his mark of 1:51 while capturing the Hambletonian at the Meadowlands and banked $1,245,297 overall. His last -- and final -- start came on October 16 in the Kentucky Futurity at the Red Mile, where he trotted in 1:52 in the second heat and finished fourth to Wishing Stone.

“He’s done for the year and I think he had a good year,” Takter was quoted as saying in an article by harnessracing.com. “I thought he raced very good in the Futurity, but the other horse (Wishing Stone) was the best. We ended up best in summary if they went by that. Overall, I think he did all right. I don’t want to make excuses though, but he was coughing a little bit after the race so I had to put him on antibiotics. So I didn’t see any sense in him going back in for this race (the Bluegrass Stakes, Saturday, October 23 at the Red Mile).”